The 2021 Alaska cruise season is back on after the US house passed the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act. The bill allows select foreign ships to sail between two US ports without the need to stop at a foreign port. In normal times cruises to Alaska either begin or end in Canada. Many others, include a stop in Canada when sailing between Alaska and the lower 48. This is because federal law does not allow for foreign register ships to sail directly between two US ports.
Until now, the 2021 cruise season was likely facing another year of cancellation as Canada banned cruise ships until Feb 2022. The Alaska Tourism Restoration act is a temporary Band-Aid to Canada’s ban on cruise ships. The act is set to expire in Feb 2022. Of course, if Canada extends their cruise ship ban, congress may pass an extension for the 2022 season.
Alaska 2021 Cruises Announcements
Already several cruise lines are announcing cruises to Alaska. Although many cruise lines will not sail until July, the industry is hoping to make up for lost time. Usually Alaska Cruise season kicks off in April and accounts for more than 60% of Alaska’s annual tourists.
Already, Holland America 2021 Alaska cruises are on sale. Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, and Princess Cruises have also announced sailings for this summer. All cruise lines are starting with one ship. Other cruise lines such as Disney and Royal Caribbean have yet to announce Alaska sailings for 2021. Thus far, all sailings are between Alaska and Seattle.
Changes to Cruising
Cruising in 2021 will be slightly different. Some cruise lines have already announced that they will require proof of vaccination for cruise passengers. Carnival currently does not require vaccinations. In contrast, Norwegian require guests over 18 to be fully vaccinated two weeks before sailing. Be sure to check with the cruise line before booking.
Onboard, there will be changes too. For the cruise lines to operate within US waters, they must follow CDC guidance. And even the Alaska Tourism act requires ships to operate in accordance with any restrictions or guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even changes that may come after the act is passed.
Under current CDC requirements, passengers who are not fully vaccinated must undergo a NAAT or antigen test on the first and last day of the cruise. But only if the cruise is greater than 4 nights. So in this case, all Alaska crusies. In addition, wearing a mask on a cruise is required. Vaccinated or not, cruises are crowded environments and masks are still necessary.
2021 Cruise Season is Back
Today’s passing of the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act is great news to the economies of Seattle and Alaska. If you have felt locked up for the last year and you like to cruise, now is your chance to book an Alaskan holiday. Cruises will be departing to Alaska in July of 2021.
Honestly, I personally am not a fan of cruises. Yet, an Alaska cruise can provide an excellent option to explore the waters of Alaska and the states natural beauty. Cruising in 2021 will be different. Yet surprise surprise, everything about 2021 is different.
If you’re looking for your next Alaska cruise, reach out to me at Scott & Thomas travel I’m here to help you find the perfect Alaska cruise.
